Triumph Tiger 1050 Review

Triumph Tiger 1050 Overview

The Triumph Tiger 1050 is a road-biased bike which looks and handles best on roads rather than bumpy terrains. It isn’t an intimidating bike, in fact many riders get on very well on this model. It’s ideal for town and city riding. The seat is a little narrow, and it has a dry weight of only 198 kilos.

In terms of engine, the Triumph Tiger’s 1050cc output has been reduced to 115bhp but this makes it great in slow traffic or on countryside roads. The Tiger 1050 is also more relaxed at cruising speeds, giving a more comfortable ride for the biker.

The quality of this bike feels nice, as you would expect from Triumph bikes. The reliability should also be nothing to worry about, giving the brand name and reputation you’re buying into.

The Triumph Tiger 1050 is good value overall. It has a minimalist style, but a strong sporting capability. You can also buy a lot of optional extras for this bike if you want to personalise it.

Triumph Tiger 1050 Gallery

Image submitted by Pete

Owner Reviews

Submitted by:

Pete Runcieman

Review Date: May 2017

Comfort

Firstly let's be honest, the Tiger is never going to give you Goldwing levels of comfort. That said the seat is perfectly comfortable for trips in excess of 100 miles. We all know by then it's time for a brew anyway! The bars are wide and comfortable and the whole stance of the bike is 'sit up and beg'. Its a perfect riding position with commanding views and visibility and all controls fall exactly where you instinctively reach for them.

Ride Quality

The dual sport type styling means the bike can be a little top heavy but in many ways this is no bad thing. Triumph have managed to create a machine that really can do everything from touring to track days. The suspension matches the bike perfectly and it's light and very flickable in the twisties, just the briefest of nudges gets the bike turning and combined with the legendary Triumph Triple motor it's quite the complete package.

Build Quality & Reliability

For a bike that's now 10 years old the build quality remains impressive. Ok there's the odd rusty fastener and some bits of light corrosion on exposed metals but nothing serious. The paintwork remains as bright and fresh as the day it rolled out of the factory and the titanium intruding on the fork legs hasn't degraded at all. The bike has been ultra reliable with only basic servicing and consumables needed during my ownership. I look forward to many more years ahead.

Engine Rating

This really is the ace up the sleeve of this bike. So many superlatives have been written about these engines but it's all true! The triple is a unique combination of the torque characteristics of a v twin and the revs of an inline 4. It pulls from a little as 2000rpm in top gear and rides the crest of the torque wave right to the top end of the Speedo. Its smooth, more than powerful enough and sounds graet with an aftermarket can!

Brake Rating

The pot nissin radial calipers on the front end do an excellent job of hauling the tiger to a rapid stop. Plenty of feel, power and bite without ever feeling too harsh. As a well known advert says 'does exactly what is says on the tin'. The only gripe for me is the rear caliper. It feels wooden and ineffective by comparison.

Running Cost

Overall

Pros Comments

This truly is a bike for doing everything. You can tour, scratch or commute and the Tiger takes everything in its stride. For me it's the perfect bike, there are very few criticisms I can level at it. If you're bored of sports bikes but still want a Sunday blast buy one. If you want to tour but don't want a full dress touring bike, buy one. Don't take my work for it. Go find out for yourself!

Cons Comments

Definitely the rear brake and there's a little niggly buzz through the bars at certain revs.

Submitted by:

Taggart

Review Date: May 2017

Comfort

All day long comfy, a joy. Fitted an MRA X-screen which diffuses the wind blast from the standard touring screen perfectly.

Ride Quality

My first 'giant traile' style bike, so took a while to get used to the high centre of gravity but don't even notice it now! Handling is light, flickable and fun.

Build Quality & Reliability

Don't ride it in the winter, but have done 32,000 miles and it's still mint.

Engine Rating

Way enough power for me... and it simply sings.

Brake Rating

Full ABS. Plenty of bite, works fine for me.

Running Cost

Overall

Pros Comments

Probably, slightly a bit big and wide for nippy "in town" work, but I use mine for day blasts out and big trips/tours/mile munching…and it does it all with a massive grin factor. I'd buy another one at the drop of a hat, but they sadly stopped my model in 2012/13 in favour of the inferior Tiger Sport. Honestly, I though my 1999 Speed Triple was the best bike I've ever had…but this trumps it.

Cons Comments

Panniers could be a bit better designed and more roomy, but hey, they look good on the bike!

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